Why Jesus Called Peter a Stumbling Block

By Mary Vee
Mark 8, Matthew 16, Luke 9

Peter

Photo by Mary Vee - Israel

I am a disciple of Jesus.

The eleven other disciples and I walked south from Caesarea Philippi (a city north of the Sea of Galilee) with Jesus. We weren't sure where He wanted to go next. We often didn't know the destination because where we went did not matter as much as hearing what Jesus had to say. 

It was on this journey that Jesus first explained that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law. He said He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 

The news startled me. This group of religious leaders had been picking on Jesus ever since He set out to teach men and women the truth about God. They were jealous because men and women listened to Jesus. So jealous I could see them attempting such an act. Jesus didn't need to worry. The disciples and I would protect Him.

I asked to speak to Jesus privately and said, "Never, Lord!" I would not allow the religious leaders the opportunity to kill the Son of God, the Christ. A burst of energy flowed through my veins. I would fight for Him. "This will never happen to you."

Jesus said, "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me." 

His words shocked me. I tried to understand the meaning of His words but couldn't yet.

Jesus said, "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

I didn't. He was right. I didn't understand the things of God. It wasn't until quite sometime later that I realized I could never save Jesus from the religious leaders or anyone else who might attack Him. 

This man, the Son of God, had full control. What would happen in days to come had been in God's plan. And what Jesus would suffer was allowed by Him to save--me and everyone who would believe. Including you.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.